A Cumbrian firm has been fined £60,000 after a worker was injured.
General labourer Mark Jones was working for Carnforth-based Ace Infra Ltd at the NW Auctions site in Milnthorpe in April 2024 when a newly built wall collapsed, knocking him through an opening in the floor.
He fell to the floor below, a distance of between 2.5m to 3m and suffered multiple injuries, including fractures and a dislocated shoulder, spending a month in
hospital.
Earlier that day, boards had been delivered and laid across a large opening in the floor where a staircase was to be installed.
The boards did not cover the entire opening, and no edge protection had been installed around the remaining gap.
There were no signs warning of the danger, and Mr Jones had received no instructions regarding his safety.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the risk of falling through the gap in the floor had not been addressed, as no preventative measures had been taken. Mr Jones had not been made aware of the risks or the safety measures required.
No site supervisor or manager was present when the incident occurred.
The HSE prosecuted the case and Ace Infra Ltd admitted the breach of the Working at Height regulations.
The company was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £4,799.44 in costs, with a £2,000 victim surcharge at Lancaster Magistrates Court on December 23.
HSE Inspector Derek McLauchlan said: “Everyone working in construction has a responsibility to ensure that people are safe. Any work at height is potentially high-risk and requires proper planning and implementation.
“This incident could have been avoided had appropriate control measures and training been in place.
“Despite the serious injuries sustained, a fall of this height and nature could have resulted in far worse outcomes. Lessons must be learned from this case.”
